The Muscular Dystrophy Association will hold a free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the East-West Center to discuss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Free seminar to cover
muscular dystrophyStar-Bulletin staff
No cure exists for ALS, which destroys nerve cells controlling the muscles and eventually causes complete paralysis. People diagnosed with this disease typically live two to five years.
The association's clinical neurologist, Dr. Kevin Kimata, and clinical director, Dr. Ronald Yamaoka, will lead the seminar, planned in observance of May as ALS Awareness Month.
A panel will discuss legal, financial, medical and case management community resources.
Also, in recognition of the month nationally, a new edition has been published of "Facts About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis," an introductory MDA pamphlet for newly diagnosed people, as well as a revised edition of the MDA's book "When a Loved One Has ALS: A Caregiver's Guide."
The association nationally has invested more than $135 million in the program to find a cure for the disease and offers care at 230 hospital-affiliated MDA clinics, including Castle Medical Center.
MDA-Hawaii assists residents with neuromuscular disease with purchase and repair of wheelchairs, summer camp, seminars and clinics statewide and an ALS Support Group on Oahu.
For more information about the association's programs, funded almost entirely by private donations, or to make reservations for the seminar, call Audrey Taniguchi at 548-0588.